NSW and South Australia to play in Phillip Hughes tribute match

By Michael Carayannis

NSW and South Australia will take first-class cricket to Coffs Harbour next season as a tribute to former Test batsman Phillip Hughes, who hailed from nearby Macksville.

Phillip Hughes died on November 27, 2014.

Photo: Getty Images

Hughes was playing for South Australia in his final game against NSW at the SCG last year when he was hit by a bouncer in a freak accident that would lead to his untimely death two days later. NSW chief executive Andrew Jones said the match was an opportunity for the local community and teammates to celebrate his life.

"Phillip was a wonderful player for NSW, South Australia and Australia, and a proud representative of Macksville and North Coast cricket," Jones said.

"Tragically, he left us last year but he will always remain in our hearts.

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The Shield match is part of a three-year partnership between Cricket NSW and Coffs Harbour City Council. NSW will play a second XI game in Coffs Harbour, also this coming summer, with a Sydney Sixers warm-up match and a Cricket NSW Academy State Challenge to follow in subsequent seasons.

"It is fantastic to see top-class cricket returning to Coffs Harbour and we are so honoured to commence the partnership with this tribute match," Coffs Harbour mayor Denise Knight said.

South Australian Cricket Association chief executive Keith Bradshaw threw his support behind the match, saying: "There are really no words that can describe the loss we all felt after the tragic passing of Phillip. This match is but one way to remember our friend and much-loved teammate so close to his home town."

NSW quick Doug Bollinger and South Australian wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman will launch the match in Coffs Harbour on Monday.